At Pascha, we believe there's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling the kitchen. For this recipe, we wanted to take that comforting classic one step further by adding rich chocolate to every swirl. The result is a soft, gluten-free chocolate cinnamon roll that's just as satisfying for weekend brunch as it is for holiday mornings.
Made with our 55% Barely Dark Chocolate Bar, these rolls feature layers of cinnamon, coconut sugar, and finely chopped chocolate that melt into the dough as they bake. Finished with a generous spread of Pascha Vegan Cream Cheese Icing, they're warm, gooey, and packed with chocolate in every bite.
Whether you're baking for family, sharing with friends, or treating yourself to a slow morning at home, these Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Recipe Context
Cinnamon rolls have long been a comforting breakfast tradition, but adding chocolate transforms them into something extra special. We wanted to create a version that stayed soft and fluffy while remaining completely gluten-free and vegan, making it easier for more people to enjoy fresh homemade cinnamon rolls.
Our 55% Barely Dark Chocolate Bar brings rich cocoa flavor without overpowering the warm cinnamon filling. Combined with coconut sugar and a creamy vegan icing, these rolls deliver the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and chocolate.
If you're looking for more Pascha Chocolate inspiration, you'll also enjoy our Cream Filled Crepes with Chocolate & Coffee, Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls, Vegan White Chocolate Gingersnap Pancakes, & Gluten Free Custard Toast. Also, explore our breakfast recipe collection!
Why We Love This Recipe
Soft and Fluffy
A blend of gluten-free flours and psyllium husk creates a dough that's tender, pillowy, and satisfying.
Chocolate in Every Swirl
Finely chopped Pascha 55% Barely Dark Chocolate melts beautifully into the cinnamon filling for pockets of rich chocolate throughout every roll.
Perfect for Brunch
These cinnamon rolls are just as welcome on a holiday breakfast table as they are for a cozy weekend brunch.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate after shaping, and bake fresh the next morning.
Finished with Pascha Vegan Cream Cheese Icing
A generous layer of Pascha Vegan Cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch to these warm chocolate rolls.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are perfect for:
- Weekend brunch
- Holiday breakfasts
- Mother's Day
- Christmas morning
- Coffee dates
- Afternoon baking
- Dessert served warm with dairy-free ice cream
Serve warm with fresh fruit, hot coffee, or dairy-free hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How We Developed This Recipe
At Pascha, recipe development often starts with a familiar favorite and asks, "How can chocolate make this even better?"
For these cinnamon rolls, we experimented with several gluten-free flour combinations before finding a dough that stayed soft while still being easy to roll. Finely chopping our 55% Barely Dark Chocolate allowed it to melt evenly into the cinnamon filling, creating ribbons of chocolate throughout every roll instead of large chunks.
After plenty of testing (and enjoying more than a few warm cinnamon rolls along the way), we finished the recipe with Pascha Vegan Cream Cheese Icing for a smooth, creamy topping that perfectly complements the chocolate and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1½ cups tapioca starch
- 1¼ cups millet flour
- ¼ cup psyllium husk
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp coconut sugar
- 3½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm vegan milk
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- ¼ cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Filling
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Pascha 55% Barely Dark Chocolate Bar, finely chopped
Icing
- 1 batch Pascha Vegan Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredient Breakdown
Tapioca Starch & Millet Flour
Work together to create a soft, tender gluten-free dough.
Psyllium Husk
Provides elasticity and structure, making the dough easier to work with.
Cocoa Powder
Adds rich chocolate flavor directly into the dough.
Coconut Sugar
Brings subtle caramel notes that complement the cinnamon and chocolate.
Pascha 55% Barely Dark Chocolate Bar
Our Barely Dark Chocolate Bar melts beautifully into the filling, creating rich chocolate ribbons with every bite.
Pascha Vegan Cream Cheese Icing
Adds a smooth, creamy finish that perfectly complements the warm rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together:
- Tapioca starch
- Millet flour
- Psyllium husk
- Cocoa powder
- Coconut sugar
- Instant yeast
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Create a well in the center.
Add:
- Warm vegan milk
- Melted vegan butter
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Apple cider vinegar
Using the dough hook, knead for 10 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Cream together:
- Vegan butter
- Coconut sugar
- Cinnamon
Stir in the finely chopped Pascha 55% Barely Dark Chocolate.
Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Dust your work surface with tapioca starch.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately ¼-inch thick.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
Cut into 9 even rolls using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined square baking pan.
Cover and allow to rise for 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through.
Allow to cool slightly.
Spread generously with Pascha Vegan Cream Cheese Icing while still warm.
Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Use unflavored dairy-free yogurt for the best texture.
- Dust your work surface generously with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
- Chop the chocolate very finely for even melting throughout the filling.
- Ice the rolls while they're still warm for the creamiest finish.
- Store leftovers covered and gently reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
Yes. They're made with gluten-free flours, tapioca starch, and psyllium husk.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next morning.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls in an airtight container.
Why use psyllium husk?
Psyllium helps create elasticity in gluten-free dough, resulting in softer, more traditional cinnamon rolls.
Can I use a different Pascha chocolate?
Yes, but our 55% Barely Dark Chocolate Bar offers the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor for this recipe.
Additional Pascha Recipes to Try
If you loved these Gluten-Free Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls, you'll also enjoy:
- Cream Filled Crepes with Chocolate & Coffee
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls
- Vegan White Chocolate Gingersnap Pancakes
- Gluten Free Custard Toast
- Explore all of Pascha's Breakfast Recipes
More from The FIX
Continue exploring chocolate inspiration with these articles:
- The Power of Mindful Walking
- Best Chocolate Chips for Baking
- How Much Pascha Should You Keep in the Pantry?
- The Pascha Chocolate Baking Advantage
- Us vs. Them: Pascha Beyond the Label
About Pascha
At Pascha, we're passionate about creating organic chocolate that helps home bakers enjoy classic recipes with confidence. Whether you're baking breakfast pastries, decadent desserts, or everyday treats, our thoughtfully crafted chocolate products make it easy to create recipes everyone can enjoy.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Every Pascha product begins with responsibly sourced cacao and a commitment to creating chocolate that's better for people and the planet. Through ethical sourcing, transparent supply chains, and carefully selected organic ingredients, we're proud to support a more sustainable future for chocolate.
To learn more, explore 5 Simple Reasons Buying Sustainable Chocolate Matters on The FIX.
Certifications
Many Pascha products proudly feature certifications including:
- USDA Organic
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Vegan
- Top 9 Allergen Free
- Gluten-Free
Please refer to individual product packaging for the latest certification information.
